YORKSHIRE'S fate over whether they reach a Lord's final this season could be decided by bowling at a set of stumps if the weather shows no sign of improvement at Headingley today and tomorrow, writes David Warner.

Hours of continuous rain ruled out any hope of their Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy semi-final showdown with Surrey getting under way yesterday and the forecast for the next couple of days is not much better.

The hope remains that a full 50-overs game will be possible but if not then a minimum of ten-overs-a-side would be sufficient to settle the issue.

If the weather is too bad for that to happen, the result will be determined either indoors or out by five nominated bowlers each sending down two deliveries at a set of stumps.

Should each side have the same number of 'hits' then the same players will bowl alternatively on a sudden death basis.

If the toss has taken place, then the five players must be chosen from the named team and the 12th man, but if the side has not been chosen then any five members of the playing staff can take part.

In cases where bowling at a set of stumps is not possible the result will be determined on the toss of a coin but if conditions outside at Headingley are too bad the players can go into the new indoor school.

The other semi-final between Somerset and Kent was also scheduled to take place today.

Updated: 12:21 Thursday, August 01, 2002